Love one another as Jesus has loved us.

Sadly, many Christians never experience the fullness of their salvation. Refusing to believe a disciple of Christ is an honor and privilege. Demanding one’s undying devotion, no matter the cost.

What would you do if the Lord commanded you to marry a prostitute and have children with that prostitute?

Would you say yes?

Hosea did.

Hebraic for savior, Hosea was a member of the Jewish upper class and a prophet to the kingdom of Israel. Can you imagine his disbelief and disgust upon hearing the Lord’s first command?

Marry a prostitute and have children with that prostitute. The people in this land have acted like prostitutes and abandoned the Lord.Hosea 1:2

Hosea obeyed, and Gomer was rescued from her life of shame and hopelessness. An act of love and obedience that foreshadowed Jesus’s rescue of God’s own beloved— you and I.

The Lord does not mince words when it comes to sin and the unfaithfulness of His children. He abhors it because the consequence of sin is His judgment and punishment.

Thankfully, the Lord is patient. Not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Even when we stumble and sin the Lord is there. Extending His hands of love and grace. Picking us up and bringing us back into fellowship with Him.

Exactly what the Lord commanded Hosea to offer Gomer. Who, after years of marriage and three children had deserted her family.

Go, make love to a woman who has a lover and is involved in adultery. Just as the Lord loves the people of Israel though they turn to other gods.Hosea 3:1

Hosea obeyed and diligently searched for Gomer. Where she was living and with whom is unknown. We do know she was not free to come and go as she pleased because Hosea had to pay the price of a slave to gain her freedom.

Like Gomer, every human being has been enslaved by sin. Trapped and surrounded by the stench of decay and death. Which over time becomes less repulsive as the heart grows colder.

This stench has slowly enveloped Jesus’s betrothed— the Church.

What is the condition of the American Church today?

Most Christians (59%) believe religion’s influence on America is declining. Which is not good.

When the will of the people conflicts with the teachings of the Bible. 63% prefer the will of the people takes precedence to that of God’s.

Only 35% believe the Bible is the unequivocal Word of God and should be taken literally.

Although 79% of Christians believe Jesus will return to earth. Only 23% believe human actions can influence the timing of His return.

There are Christians who believe satan does not exist.

Jesus sinned while living here on earth.

Christians do not have a personal responsibility in sharing their faith with others.

In fact, when it comes to morality. There is little statistical difference between the behavior of Christians and non-Christians.

How did this happen? How did a Church that walked in divine revelation and supernatural power in the first century? Become a Church whose followers today are inhabitants of the darkness?

Attempting to be warm, hospitable and politically correct. Churches diluted God’s Word— His Truth. Stripping Jesus of His godly attributes so He would be more acceptable to the masses.

The result?

The existence of divinity within a perishable human body is difficult for Christians and non-believers to reconcile. This perceived incompatibility has negated these truths.

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee. The angel went to a virgin promised in marriage to a descendant of David named Joseph. The virgin’s name was Mary.

The angel told her, “Don’t be afraid Mary. You have found favor with God. You will become pregnant. Give birth to a son and name Him Jesus.”

Mary asked the angel, “How can this be? I’ve never had sexual intercourse.”

The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy child developing inside you will be called the Son of God.”Luke 1:27 and 34-35

Jesus understands every weakness of ours because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin!Hebrews 4:15

Jesus healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons. Mark 1:34

Jesus called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead. John 12:17

Jesus, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

Jesus loves us and has set us free from our sins by His blood. Revelation 1:5

Jesus was crucified and three days later. God raised Him to life and let Him be seen. Acts 10:40

Jesus boldly declares, “I am coming soon! And when I come. I will reward everyone for what they have done. I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”Revelation 22:12-13

AMEN!

Statistics:“Many Americans Uneasy with Mix of Religion and Politics.” The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press; August 24, 2006.